Chris Whitaker's most recent novel, "All the Colors of the Dark," is a great mix of character-driven drama, mystery, and excitement. This novel transports readers on an intense and thrilling trip through the lives of two enduring characters, Joseph "Patch" Macauley and Saint Brown, against the backdrop of America in the 1970s and 1980s. Whitaker once again demonstrates his skill as a storyteller with this novel's captivating plot and vividly rendered characters.

It started in 1975, an important time in American history because the Vietnam War was ending and the famous Ali-Frazier fight happened. The kidnapping of three young girls rocks the small Missouri town of Monta Clare. Patch, a boy from the area who has one eye and likes to pretend he is a pirate, bravely steps in to stop a masked man from abusing a girl, but the attacker then takes Patch hostage. This scary event starts a chain connecting Patch's life with his childhood friend Saint for over 25 years. 

A Journey of Survival and Search

Patch's story is one of surviving and a never-ending search. When locked up in a dark cave, he meets Grace, a girl who has also been taken. Grace's vivid pictures of the outside world and hopeful whispers keep him going, even though he never sees her. Grace's absence haunts Patch after he gets away, and he is determined to find her - dead or alive. Because of this quest, he travels all over the country and meets the families of other missing girls. To pay for his search, he robs banks and gives the money he gets to groups that work to find missing children.

Although this book has elements of a whodunit and a serial killer story, The Book Review Crew said it is much more than that. Many things in Whitaker's book about love, loss, and hope go deep into the thoughts of its characters. The beautifully written by Whitaker brings the Ozarks to life, making readers almost taste the honey, smell the woods, and hear the bees buzzing. The stories of different characters show how tough life can be in small towns across the United States and how strong people can be when things get tough.

READ ALSO: 'Leather & Lark' by Brynne Weaver Book Review: A Gripping Tale of Dangerous Romance

A Richly Layered Tale

Patch and Saint's story is complicated and goes back many years. The book depicts how their lives alter and unexpectedly come together from their early teens to their 20s and as adults. Patch goes from being a wounded boy to a determined - if not desperate - man. This change is both sad and inspiring. As enjoyable as Saint's trip is, it adds to the story because the events of 1975 are still affecting their lives.

Kirkus Reviews stated that Whitaker's latest book truly displays his storytelling prowess. It is amazing how he can combine different types of writing into one compelling story. Not only is the book a thriller or a puzzle, but it is also a moving look at how people feel and how hard life can be. This book is just as good as Whitaker's other works, if not better. Someone who has never read anything by Whitaker will enjoy his unbelievable, exciting world.

Conclusion: A Must-Read

This book has many emotional parts that will keep people on the edge of their seats. Whitaker's story is both thrilling and moving. Anyone who likes well-written stories should read it. This book has something for everyone, whether one likes mysteries, thrillers, or fine writing. It shows how good an author Whitaker is and is an interesting addition to his work.

RELATED ARTICLE: 'Never Lie' by Freida McFadden Book Review: A Heart-Thumping Thriller